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The Edmonton Oilers, who’ve never been all that good at evaluating things, are now faced with one of the most important assessments in their history.

Is Nail Yakupov just a frustrated 20-year-old running his mouth about playing time, or is he going to be a high-maintenance prima-donna his entire career?

It’s a question that needs answering, and fast.

If Tuesday’s performance is just a kid from another culture throwing a tantrum, maybe they can work him through it and live happily ever after. If it’s not, and this is how he’ll be handling all of his concerns, then his days in Edmonton need to be over.

After yesterday’s rather cold and calculated act of rebellion against head coach Dallas Eakins and Oilers management, it’s no easy call.

Igor Larionov started the public firestorm Monday by saying he’s on his way to Edmonton to straighten things out because his client isn’t being treated properly here.

So when a media scrum pushing 30 people circled Yakupov for his reaction after practice Tuesday morning, we all expected the kid would try putting out his agent’s flames.

Instead, he threw gas. Yakupov essentially backed up everything Larionov said, and heaped on some more.

He’s not happy. He wants more ice. He’s not being used properly. Something has to change.

And if all this is a major distraction in an already delicate and bad situation in Edmonton, tough.

“We have to do something, because I don’t see any trust to me now because I play lower and lower minutes,” Yakupov began. “I just want to help my team win every game but I haven’t had much chance to do that.

“Last five games I haven’t played over 10 minutes. I’m frustrated, (Larionov’s) frustrated, my friends are frustrated, everybody who gives advice...”

He loves the city and his teammates but says his own situation isn’t a healthy one.

“I don’t want to play nine or five minutes. I think I can play more. I’m 20 years old and that’s a pretty important year for me.

“Sometimes I’m just sitting too much and watching hockey from the bench. I just want to help, I just want to play, I just want to have fun.”

He doesn’t want to play at both ends of the ice, though, which seems to be a bit of a sticking point for the coaches. Although, as far as Yakupov is concerned, his defensive play isn’t an issue here.

“I play good, I play my game,” said the guy with the worst plus-minus in the entire NHL (-14). “I always play like that. Last year I played the same, this year I played the same. I play good.”

He hasn’t asked for a trade, but didn’t sound like a guy opposed to one.

“I just want to play. If it’s not going to be more and more we’ll have to figure out something.”

Asked if he told his agent to come to Edmonton to lobby for more ice, Yakupov paused and said “I don’t know. Tough question.”

Will it help?

“We’ll see in a few days.”

Was it his intention to blow this thing up, even if the last thing the slumping Oilers need right now is another ring in the circus?

“Again, I just want to play. We’ll see in a couple of days what’s going on. That’s all I’ve got to say.”

This, folks, is the Russian stereotype at its frightening worst. Not a lot of 20-year-olds with 65 career games fly their agent into town to challenge the organization about ice time. Especially guys with four points.

There’s a difference between being unhappy and bitching to the coach and the public, full-frontal assault that Yakupov just launched, creating a disruption on a team that doesn’t need another one, making it about him instead of the Oilers.

So, again, is this just an immature kid throwing a tantrum, or a bad seed who’s going to be a selfish, high-maintenance prima-donna his entire career?

The Oilers need to make that call and fix this situation - one way or the other.

ROBERT.TYCHKOWSKI@Sunmedia.ca

TWITTER.com/SUN_TYCHKOWSKI

Poll

Should the Oilers trade Nail?

Edmonton Oilers rookie winger Nail Yakupov's 2013 in pictures

Edmonton Oilers Nail Yakupov celebrates his game-tying goal against the Los Angeles Kings during third period NHL action at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta. on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013. The Oilers won 2-1 in overtime. Amber Bracken/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Amber Bracken/Edmonton Sun/QMI A

2012 NHL and the Edmonton Oilers third #1 draft first pick in a row, Nail Yakupov gives the thumbs up during his team medical test. The Edmonton Oilers started their 2012 Development Camp at Rexall Place in Edmonton on June, 25 2012. PERRY MAH/EDMONTON

Potential top 2012 NHL entry draft pick Nail Yakupov poses for a photo while visiting the Edmonton Oilers' facilities at Rexall Place in Edmonton, June 4, 2012. DAVID BLOOM EDMONTON SUN QMI AGENCY

DAVID BLOOM/EDMONTON SUN QMI AG

Potential top 2012 NHL entry draft pick Nail Yakupov poses for a photo while visiting the Edmonton Oilers' facilities at Rexall Place in Edmonton, June 4, 2012. DAVID BLOOM EDMONTON SUN QMI AGENCY

DAVID BLOOM/EDMONTON SUN QMI AG

Edmonton Oilers Taylor Hall and Nail Yakupov take part in Perry Pearn's 3 on 3 Camp at the Knights of Columbus Arena in Edmonton on Friday August 24 , 2012. It's the first time the two first overall NHL draft picks have skated together. PERRY MAH/EDMONTON SUN

Edmonton Oilers' Nail Yakapov goes on the ice at Rexall Place in Edmonton Alta., on Thursday Jan. 9, 2013. The players are using the media room as their class room. Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agenc

Oilers prospect Nail Yakupov during day one of camp. The Edmonton Oilers held their 2012 Development Camp at Millenium Place in Sherwood Park, Alberta on June, 27 2012. PERRY MAH/EDMONTON QMI AGENCY

PERRY MAH

First overall NHL draft pick for 2012 is Nail Yakupov. Yakupov puts on an Edmonton Oilers jersey for the first time as the team's owner Daryl Katz watches from behind him at the CONSOL Energy Center during the 2012 NHL Entry Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania June 22, 2012 . Andre Forget / QMI AGENCY

ANDRE FORGET/QMI AGENCY

The Oilers Store's Bryce Thornton hangs some Yakupov jerseys with his new number at Kingsway mall in Edmonton, Alberta on August 29 , 2012. PERRY MAH/EDMONTON SUN QMI AGENCY

EDMONTON SUN/ QMI AGENCY

Nail Yakupov takes part in the 2012 Edmonton Oilers' development camp at Millennium Place in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Saturday June 30, 2012. DAVID BLOOM EDMONTON SUN QMI AGENCY

DAVID BLOOM/EDMONTON SUN QMI AG

Edmonton Sun Pictures of the Week August 18th to August 24th 2012.
The eyes Nail it! Edmonton Oilers and the NHL's 2012 1st overall draft pick, Nail Yakupov looks intense as he took part in Perry Pearn's 3 on 3 Camp at the Knights of Columbus Arena in Edmonton on Friday August 24 , 2012. PERRY MAH/EDMONTON SUN

Nail Yakupov during Edmonton Oilers development camp at Millennium Place in Sherwood Park, Alberta on Thursday, June 28, 2012. AMBER BRACKEN/EDMONTON SUN/QMI AGENCY

Oiler prospect Nail Yakupov signs his autograph on 3 year old Clover Long's jersey. The Edmonton Oilers held their 2012 Development Camp at Millenium Place in Sherwood Park, Alberta on June, 27 2012. PERRY MAH/EDMONTON QMI AGENCY

PERRY MAH

Edmonton Oilers 1st overall 2012 draft pick, Nail Yakupov's legs show the injuries he received after a reported fall on a treadmill. Photo was taken after Yakupov took part of an on-ice practise at Perry Pearn's 3 on 3 Camp at Knights of Columbus Arena in Edmonton, Alberta on August 9 , 2012. PERRY MAH/EDMONTON SUN QMI AGENCY

EDMONTON SUN/ QMI AGENCY

Edmonton Oilers #1 draft pick Nail Yakupov interacts with fans during the Edmonton Eskimos CFL football game against the Toronto Argonauts at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on Saturday, June 30, 2012. CODIE MCLACHLAN/EDMONTON SUN QMI AGENCY

Edmonton Oilers' Nail Yakupov has his head shaved during the 2013 Hair Massacure at West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alta., on Friday, Feb. 15, 2013. The event is held in order to raise funds for children with life-threatening illnesses. Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun

Nail Yakupov celebrates scoring his first ever NHL gaol against the Sharks during their game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta on Tuesday January 22, 2013 Perry Nelson/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Nail Yakapov runs through a skating drill with with a parachute during a conditioning skate at Rexall Place in Edmonton Alta., on Thursday Jan. 10, 2013. Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agenc

Oilers Nail Yakupov celebrates his tying goal against the Kings during their game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta on Thursday January 24, 2013 Perry Nelson/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Oilers' (from left) Teemu Hartikainen, Mark Fistric, Nail Yakupov and Chris VandeVelde react after having their heads shaved during the 2013 Hair Massacure at West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alta., on Friday, Feb. 15, 2013. The event is held in order to raise funds for children with life-threatening illnesses. Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun

Nail Yakupov on the ice during the first day of training camp. The Edmonton Oilers had their first day of training camp on ice at Rexall Place in Edmonton Alta., on Monday Jan. 14, 2013. The practice was open to the public who were restricted to the upper levels. Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agenc

Oilers Nail Yakupov battles with Kings Jarret Stoll during their game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta on Thursday January 24, 2013 Perry Nelson/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Fans go crazy after Edmonton Oilers Nail Yakupov #64 scored the fourth Oilers goal on the Calgary Flames during third period NHL action at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta. on Monday, April 1, 2013. The Oilers won 4-1. Amber Bracken/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Oilers forward Nail Yakupov scores on Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo during the third period of their NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, April 27, 2013. The Oilers won 7-2. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Nail Yakupov tries out some sticks at the OIlers' dressing room. The Edmonton Oilers went through their medicals at Rexall Place in Edmonton Alta., on Sunday Jan. 13, 2013. Perry Mah/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Oilers staff pick up hats from Nail Yakupov's hat trick against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period of their NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, April 27, 2013. The Oilers won 7-2. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Oilers forward Nail Yakupov celebrates one of his hat trick goals against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period of their NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, April 27, 2013. The Oilers won 7-2. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers defenceman Jeff Petry (left), forward Magnus Paajarvi celebrate forward Nail Yakupov's goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period of their NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, April 27, 2013. The Oilers won 7-2. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Oilers forward Nail Yakupov scores on Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo during the third period of their NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, April 27, 2013. The Oilers won 7-2. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Oilers forward Nail Yakupov (64) reacts to getting a goaltender interference call against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

(left to right) Edmonton Oilers Ladislav Smid, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Nail Yakupov, and Justin Schultz deliver a 2013-14 season seat package to Daryl Zander and Tracy Zander to the Zander's home, in Edmonton, Alta., home, Monday Sept. 9, 2013. The Zander's have been season ticket holders since 2002. The Oilers made four home deliveries of 2013-14 season seat packages on Monday. David Bloom/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

David Bloom/Edmonton Sun/ QMI Ag

Forward Nail Yakupov drops a stick off during Edmonton Oilers training camp at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Friday, Sept. 20, 2013. The NHL team's next preseason game is set for Sept. 21. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Nail Yakupov smiles as reporters ask him about his Calder Trophy chances, at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta. on Sunday April 28, 2013. The Oilers finished their season out of the playoffs April 27, 2013. David Bloom/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

David Bloom/Edmonton Sun/ QMI Ag

Edmonton Oilers forward Nail Yakupov (64) shoots as Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov (79) bears down during the first period of their NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers forward Nail Yakupov (64) is grabbed by Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer (34) after falling in the goaltender's crease during the first period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers Nail Yakupov (64) reacts to missing a shot against New Jersey Devils netminder Martin Brodeur (30) during the third period at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Monday, Oct. 7, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Age

Edmonton Oilers Nail Yakupov (64) shoots on New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur (30) during the third period at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Monday, Oct. 7, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

Edmonton Oilers forward Nail Yakupov (64) falls on Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Jake Gardiner (51) and into goaltender James Reimer (34) during the first period of an NHL game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency

As Advertised in the Edmonton SUN

Edmonton Oiler Nail Yakupov wants more ice time

The Edmonton Oilers, who’ve never been very good
at evaluating things, are now faced with one of the
most important assessments in their history.
Is Nail Yakupov just a frustrated 20-year-old kid
running his mouth about playing time, or is he
going to be a high-maintenance prima-donna his
entire career?
If it’s just a kid from another culture throwing a
tantrum, maybe they can work him through it. If it’s
the latter, then his days in Edmonton need to be
over.